Corrosion

Definition of Corrosion

Corrosion is defined as a refined metal that is naturally converted to a more stable form such as its hydroxide or sulphide state. Metal corrodes when it reacts with another substance such as oxygen, hydrogen or bacteria. Corrosion can also happen when metals are placed under too much stress causing the material to crack. Corrosion leads to deterioration of the material.

Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, making it suitable for use in environments where exposure to moisture, chemicals, or harsh conditions such as salt water is expected.

In this section you can find newsitems related to all types of corrosion such as stress corrosion cracking, intergranular corrosion, pitting, and corrosion fatigue. If you wish to include your news release on our website and email newsletter, please feel free to contact the editor.

Doctor blades

Sandvik Materials Technology is using its steel melting and strip producing expertise to optimise the material properties for doctor blades for gravure and flexographic printing processes.

Stainless-steel locks

Elesa (UK) has launched stainless-steel versions of its CQ lock with 90-degree opening and IP65 protection.

Hoffman accessories

New accessories from Hoffman include aesthetically designed 316SS deep-hinged window kits and 316SS Powerglide Handles.

Titanium heat exchanger units for Brazil

Gasketed and all-welded heat exchanger units have been supplied for offshore crude oil processing duties on the Marlim Sul FPSO by Tranter PHE.

Stainless-steel needle valves

Winters Instruments has a new line of stainless steel needle valves to add to its existing accessory product line.

Stainless protection for gas springs

The Stabilus Lift-O-Mat Inox-line of stainless-steel gas springs is now available from SKF Engineering Products.

Stainless in drinking water

On 19 November 2003 an international seminar on stainless steel in the water industry will take place in Brussels.

Keeping alignment in line

Thames Side-Maywood has launched a new version of its T93 load cell and loading assembly, which is unaffected by angular misalignment during installation.

Dutch engineering buy-out

Force Technology Netherlands BV, part of Force Technology Denmark, recently took over the management of CorrOcean BV.

Stainless steel safety switches

British safety switch manufacturer, Mechan Controls, is expanding its range of IP67 stainless steel non-contact safety switches for industrial machinery.


Corrosion can be a big problem because it can cause significant damage and deterioration to various materials, particularly metals. We have listed below several reasons why corrosion is a significant concern:

Structural Integrity: Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of materials. When metals corrode, they lose their strength and load-bearing capacity, which can lead to failures and collapses in infrastructure, buildings, bridges, pipelines, and other critical structures.

Economic Impact: Corrosion imposes substantial economic costs. The direct expenses associated with corrosion include repairs, replacements, and maintenance of corroded structures and equipment. Additionally, there are indirect costs such as production losses, decreased efficiency, and increased energy consumption due to the effects of corrosion on industrial processes and machinery.

Environmental Consequences: Corrosion can have adverse environmental effects. For example, in the case of pipelines, corrosion can lead to leaks and spills of hazardous substances, causing soil and water pollution and damaging ecosystems.

Health and Safety Risks: Corrosion can create health and safety risks in various ways. For instance, when corrosion affects pipelines or storage tanks carrying toxic substances, it can lead to leaks or releases that endanger the health of workers, communities, and the environment.

Maintenance and Downtime: Corrosion necessitates regular maintenance and inspection programs to detect and mitigate its effects. This requires significant time, effort, and financial resources. Additionally, when corrosion-related issues arise, it often requires shutting down operations, causing downtime and productivity losses.

Given these reasons, it is crucial to understand and address corrosion through preventive measures, protective coatings, corrosion-resistant materials, regular inspections and testing (ASTM B117), and appropriate maintenance practices to mitigate its impact and ensure the longevity and safety of structures and equipment.